As dozens of wildfires rage across the US, once again shrouding the sky this summer, scientists are uncovering more information about how dangerous wildfire smoke is to our health
Major fires, including the Durkee fire in Oregon and the Park fire in 90 miles from Sacramento, have spread smoke for hundreds of miles, blanketing some cities in poor air quality. Last week, the largest wildfire in the US covered an area larger than Los Angeles. It destroyed 386,000 acres of land in Northern California, affecting the historic mining town of Havila.
While it is known that wildfire smoke is toxic to the body, new research shows just how dangerous it can be. Just last week, a decade-long study involving over 1 million people in southern California concluded, revealing that wildfire smoke increases the risk of being diagnosed with dementia by 21% compared to other types of air pollution, such as emissions from vehicles or factories.
Another new study, published in the journal Science Advances, states that wildfire smoke likely caused over 52,000 premature deaths in California alone from 2008 to 2018, with the economic damage from these deaths exceeding $430 billion. The consequences of wildfires have also led to an increase in hospitalizations for people with asthma, and for those with cardiovascular diseases, the risk of cardiac arrest increases by 70% on days with heavy smoke.
Previous studies have shown that children are also at significant risk — wildfire smoke is ten times more harmful to their respiratory systems than other sources of air pollution.
Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of fine particulate matter called PM 2.5 and gases such as volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide. The composition of the mixture depends on various factors, including the type of fuel burning, combustion temperature, weather, and distance from the fire. Fine particles penetrate deep into the lungs, where they can cause systemic inflammation affecting other parts of the body. Here are some tips on how to limit inhalation of smoke on days when the wind carries wildfire smoke your way.
1. Stay informed
You can monitor the activity of state and federal air quality agencies in your region on their websites and social media, and subscribe to alerts. You can regularly check the air quality index on this site: airnow.gov
2. Stay indoors and use an air purifier
On days with heavy smoke, avoid going outside and keep windows closed. Invest in an air purifier if you don’t already have one. The California Air Resources Board has a list of certified air filters you can choose from: arb.ca.gov. If you have a central air conditioning system, use high-efficiency filters labeled HEPA, MERV 13, or higher to help clean the air. If your system has a fresh air intake, set it to recirculate mode or close the outdoor air intake.
If you smell smoke or know there’s a fire nearby — even if you can’t see it — check resources like the EPA and Forest Service’s AirNow Fire and Smoke Map or the PurpleAir map to determine if it’s safe to be outside.
3. Wear a protective mask
If you go outside, wear a protective mask such as an N95. If you don’t have access to an N95 mask, a surgical mask can also help.
4. Avoid outdoor exercise on hazardous days
Physical exercise increases the amount of air your lungs take in, along with harmful substances. Exercise also makes your heart and respiratory system work harder. If you exercise, do it indoors with filtered air.
5. Listen to your body
Different people can have vastly different reactions to the same amount of smoke. If you’re feeling unwell, listen to your body and take steps to reduce exposure.
Common symptoms include eye irritation, sore throat, cough, and headache, which usually disappear when the smoke clears. Anyone with more severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or a rapid heartbeat, should seek medical attention. Smoke is an environmental hazard to be respected, not a personal challenge to be overcome.
